In the class 3A semifinals Sioux City Heelan roared out to a 28 point third quarter lead in a 71-52 win over Carroll. Senior center Brennan Cougill finished with 22 points on nine-of-11 shooting and also had 11 rebounds and says he was not surprised the Tigers made a run that eventually cut the lead to 12.

Cougill says Carroll has five great shooters and can make a run at any time and they were fortunate that Carroll’s shots weren’t falling in the first half. After losing in the opening round a year ago the Crusaders are headed to the title game.

Cougill says they are playing "way better defense" and they have more balance this year. Heeland had a big advantage on the boards and out rebounded Carroll 34-18. Carroll coach Craig Douma says they are tough and outrebounded his team and that rebounding was too lopside for his team to stay in the game.

Heelan will face Norwalk in the title game as they held on for a 48-45 win over Harlan in the other 3A semifinal. Norwalk will be playing in its first state championship game Saturday.